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Why Diamond Jewelry Should not be Handled by Bare Hands

Many people who trade in diamonds do not realize that the manner in which you handle your diamonds and diamond jewelry can actually impact the jewelry business. But there is a very simple and basic reason why this is true.

Diamonds whether studded in jewelry or handled loose, have a natural tendency to draw oil and greasy dirt towards it and every time the diamond is handled by bare hands, it tends to pick up some grease from the hand. As we all know, grease attracts dust particles from the air and eventually there is a layer of grease and dust that covers the surface of the diamond. And we all know that when that takes place the light that reflects from the diamond is affected negatively.

The property of diamonds to attract grease has not always been seen as a negative property. In the earlier years, this property of diamonds was effectively used by diamond miners to separate diamonds from other minerals in the same ore. This was done by covering a belt in grease and wax and then allowing the crushed ore to run over the belt. As the crushed ore passed over the greasy belt, the uncut diamond rough would stick to the belt as the other minerals remained unaffected.

However, these processes have changed over time and there are more sophisticated methods that are now used to separate diamonds. But one thing is for sure, this unique property of diamonds continues to be the bane for those who handle and trade diamonds daily.

The scientific reason for why a diamond that is covered with a layer of grease and dust looses its sheen is due to the refractive index. The shine of the diamond is dependant on the light that enters the diamond and the manner in which it moves out of the diamond. When the light passes through a clean diamond the interface is between diamond and air. The refractive index of air is 1.0 but the refractive index of grease is 1.5.

In more practical terms what this means is that the diamond's critical angle increases and the amount of light that reflects from the pavilion reduces significantly. The light does not go through the crown but falls inside and then some of it escapes out of the pavilion. And since the entire light that enters does not move in a focused manner but diffuses in the diamond, the shine, brilliance and glint of the diamond is far lesser than it could be.

Now, the customers who buy diamond jewelry do so because of its shine and luster and way it attracts attention too. Therefore, it is very important for one to keep the diamond jewelry shining.

Make sure that the diamonds are not handled unnecessarily except when they need to be. Keep the area where the diamond jewelry are displayed completelty clean and tidy. When you are handling the diamonds make sure that you hold it with tweezers, or wear gloves or use any lint/dust free cloth. After your customers handle the diamonds make sure that you wipe them with a soft, clean cloth before you replace them in their safe haven. As your diamonds dazzle your customers, you will realize that the cash registers ring more often and keep you smiling.

About the Author

Mithun Rao holds a professional degree in gemology and jewelry design from Mumbai and has spent more than 10 years in the industry. He manages his own jewelry business and takes out the free time to write and maintain his site on jewelry industry and diamond information and education.

What's a good motorcycle (easy&light 2 handle) for a mid-twenties beginner that completed the training course?

I've already completed the training course and have my motorcycle license. I'm nervous about being able to handle the motorcyle, I don't want ne thing too heavy. I need it to get around town and to ride on the freeway for short distances. I need something cheap to save gas, but don't want something I can't handle and wind up getting hurt. Thanks!

I was in your spot about a year ago. I tried a few different bikes, but settled on a Kawasaki Ninja 250. You'll find them for sale (cheap) everywhere, and should be about right for your riding purposes.

The power is great for beginners, as it is not overwhelming, but has enough to easily bring a full sized adult up to freeway speeds, and will maintain them without harming the engine at all. It is a sportbike, but one of the most user friendly models around! It is light, and is great fun to run around town on. I consistently get about 68-70 mpg.

I would suggest some of the cruisers, as well, but they can feel a bit overwhelming with the weight. The smaller engine sized bikes won't take you up to freeway speeds. I would suggest not getting a Honda Rebel 250 or similar, as I believe you would be disappointed in the bike.

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